The Port Harcourt International Airport was a hive of activity on July 23, 2025, as supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gathered to welcome former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for an ADC unveiling ceremony in the state. The event marks a significant moment for Amaechi and his supporters, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the ADC, signaling a new political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi, a prominent political figure in Rivers State, arrived at the airport to a warm reception from enthusiastic ADC supporters. Posts on X captured the vibrant atmosphere, with crowds of party loyalists expressing strong support for Amaechi’s leadership and the ADC’s vision. One post highlighted the sentiment, stating, “The Love for Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is massive in Rivers State, don’t let online propaganda deceive you from believing otherwise. ADC Supporters await the arrival of CRA at Port Harcourt Airport”. Another post noted, “Rivers ADC Storms Port Harcourt International Airport, Set To Receive Rotimi Amaechi and Other Political Leaders In The State”.
Addressing the crowd at the airport, Amaechi emphasized the ADC’s commitment to the people, reportedly saying, “The President said he is not here to make you happy, but ADC is here to make you happy”. This statement underscores Amaechi’s pitch to position the ADC as a people-centric alternative to the ruling APC, aligning with the coalition’s broader goal to challenge the status quo in the 2027 elections.
The unveiling ceremony follows Amaechi’s formal resignation from the APC, which he announced on July 1, 2025, citing the party’s deviation from its founding principles. His move to the ADC, alongside other key opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, is part of a broader coalition effort to unite opposition forces under the ADC’s platform. The coalition’s launch in Abuja earlier in July drew significant attention, with the ADC positioning itself as a formidable contender against the APC in the upcoming elections.
The reception at Port Harcourt International Airport reflects Amaechi’s enduring influence in Rivers State, where he served as governor from 2007 to 2015. Supporters view his leadership as pivotal to the ADC’s growth in the region, with one X post describing the event as a sign of the “new revamping and cleansing” of Rivers politics under the ADC. The ceremony is also seen as a strategic move to rally grassroots support and consolidate Amaechi’s base ahead of potential political ambitions for 2027.
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